Canadiens taking different road in PJHL playoffs
The Lakeshore Canadiens are ready for a slightly different road to a potential Schmalz Cup title.
Normally settled by a best-ofseven series, the Canadiens will now take part in a round robin event as one of the final four teams still standing.
“It’s interesting and I think we have to give it a chance,” Canadiens head coach Anthony Iaquinta said. “I’m sure everyone would prefer a seven-game series, but we understand why.”
With the playoffs cancelled the past two seasons because of the COVID-19 pandemic and this season delayed and having to shut down amid rising cases, the Provincial Junior Hockey League opted for the new format.
After the eight division champs had been cut down to four conference winners, teams now move to a round robin format.
Lakeshore plays its first game on Saturday in Grimsby against the Peach Kings. The Canadiens host the Stayner Siskins on Sunday at the Atlas Tube Centre at 3 p.m. The event then moves to the University of Guelph for each team’s final round robin game, with Lakeshore playing the Clarington Eagles on Thursday.
The top finisher in round robin play will face the fourth-place team while second plays third in the semis. The winners advance to a one-game final.
CLIPPERS HOME OPENER
Back in action for the first time since 2019, the Windsor Clippers will host the Guelph Regals on Saturday at Forest Glade Arena in the club’s home opener in the Ontario Lacrosse Association Junior B League.
“We’ve had a huge turnover since 2019,” Clippers head coach Jerry Kavanaugh said. “There are only eight guys left from that roster and only five of them were everyday guys.”
Windsor opened the season on Thursday with an 11-7 road win over the Point Edward Pacers. Xander Derkatz, Calum Brennan and Nathan Dethomasis had a pair of goals apiece. Derkatz and Max Frattaroli finished with four points each.
“I expect us to be one of the top teams again, once we get everyone back,” Kavanaugh said.
“We’re still waiting on Zane Dalpe and Kaden Brennan to be back from school and Kale Couvillon is still playing ( junior B hockey) with the Leamington Flyers.”